§ 10 and 11. Mr. JAMES DUNCANasked the Home Secretary (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Frederick Salvage, of 2, Buckingham Terrace, North Kensington, who was arrested on a charge of being a suspected person by plain-clothes officers and was detained in the St. Mary Abbot's police station for nearly two hours; whether he has seen the statement of the magistrate at the police court where he was subsequently charged that the case should never have been brought and that the 1874 man left the court without a stain on his character; and, under the circumstances, if he will see that a full apology is made to Mr. Salvage by the police; and
(2) whether, in the case of Mr. Frederick Salvage, of 2, Buckingham Terrace, North Kensington, he will see that adequate compensation is paid to him because of his treatment at the hands of the police and in view of the fact that he lost a day's work in attending the police court?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have made inquiries and am informed that Mr. Salvage was arrested and taken to the police station by two plain-clothes officers who suspected from his movements at an omnibus stop that he was awaiting an opportunity to steal. As the case appeared prima facie to be one which ought to be brought before the court, the charge was accepted and Mr. Salvage was released on bail on his own recognisance, after being detained at the station for about 25 minutes. The charge was dismissed by the magistrate, who awarded Mr. Salvage £3 3s. costs. The Commissioner of Police much regrets the inconvenience caused to Mr. Salvage by his detention and subsequent appearance in court, but has found no reason for thinking that the officers concerned acted otherwise than honestly in arresting him. No application for compensation for loss of work has been received from him, but any such application will be considered.
§ Mr. DUNCANCould the right hon. Gentleman circularise the police in the Metropolis to ensure that they know that the success of the police depends upon the good will of the public, and that, if these incidents are repeatedly to occur, they will lose that good will, which will add to their difficulties?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no reason to think that out of the large number of cases with which the police have to deal these incidents occur often, but I am sure that the police are very well aware of the necessity of exercising care.